Mila (Browning) Blankenship

Mila Browning Blankenship, 94, of Rio Grande, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her home Thursday, October 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Mila was born March 18, 1931, in Verner, West Virginia, daughter of the late Owen and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Runyon) Browning.

Mila was a faithful Christian being saved on August 10, 1949, in a revival at Elk Creek, West Virginia, held by Preacher Stollie Parsons. She could still recall and quote the scripture that Stollie read the night she was saved. Jeremiah 8:20: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” This would be her advice for everyone today to consider if you are not saved. Mila was a founding member of the Silver Memorial Free Will Baptist Church, Gallipolis, and will be greatly missed by those she attended with who were more than friends, they were her family.

Mila married the love of her life, Dorman Alton Blankenship, September 22, 1956, in Verner, West Virginia, who she leaves behind to cherish their sixty-nine years of marriage. To this union was born their only child and the light of her life, Gregory Alton Blankenship and wife, Lori; grandchildren: Stefanie and husband, Steve, Evan and wife, Whitney and great-grandchildren Landyn, Jase, Rylynn, Reagann and Rori.

She is also survived by sister-in-law, Kitty Blankenship, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lonnie and Bertie Blankenship; her many nieces and nephews, special friends Mary and Erin, her church family, hospice family and many other friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Gilford, Clayborn, Douglas and Emmett Browning; sisters, Hattie Johnson, Lois Davis, Marie Wheatley and infant sister, Zola Browning.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM Monday, October 13, 2025, in the Silver Memorial Free Will Baptist Church, 128 Rand Ave, Gallipolis, Ohio. Burial will follow in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens, Gallipolis. Family and friends may call at the church Sunday, 5:00-7:00 PM.

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